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Steelers Set To Get A Huge Boost On Defense With Return Of Injured Elandon Roberts In Week 18

Originally posted on Steeler Nation | By Spencer Schultz | Last updated 1/4/24

The Pittsburgh Steelers enter Week 18 with a legitimate shot at the playoffs, something that couldn't have been confidently said two weeks ago. While they can still make it with a loss, albeit in a miraculous way, it would be much easier if they simply win. The Steelers have won back-to-back games despite several injuries sustained to their defense. Most specifically, the linebacker room has been derailed with ailments in 2023 with Kwon Alexander and Cole Holcomb.

Elandon Roberts has been the team's most consistent performer at the position, but he left Week 16 with a pec injury. The injury kept him out of Week 17 against the Seattle Seahawks, and it showed. The defense allowed 369 total yards on the day, which included 7.5 yards per play. Thankfully, Pittsburgh's offense stepped up in a big way for the second consecutive week. According to Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Roberts will play in Week 18 against the Baltimore Ravens.

Steelers ILB Elandon Roberts: “I’m playing.”

Is it a pain tolerance issue or will he be limited in any way by his pec injury?

“I’m playing.”
— Brian Batko (@BrianBatko) January 4, 2024

The pec injury may still affect him this weekend, but it's an important must-win contest that he wants to be out there for. Roberts practiced on Wednesday, which was a good sign that he would possibly return this weekend. Now, it's all but official. Just a week ago, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin ruled Roberts out for the Week 17 contest. When a coach rules out a player to start the week, specifically Tomlin, it's not exactly a good sign for the player's severity of his injury.

Still, Roberts was adamant that he wasn't fully ruled out. While he didn't end up playing against the Seahawks, it seems like he is returning sooner than expected. Veteran Myles Jack has stepped up in recent weeks without Roberts in the lineup. With Jack's recent success, perhaps the defense will lean on him and Roberts as the tandem at linebacker. The Steelers will get the benefit of facing the Ravens without MVP frontrunner Lamar Jackson.

How Will The Steelers Game Plan For Ravens Backups?

The defense will still have to be on their toes though, as Ravens backup Tyler Huntley still has the ability to take off and run. With Roberts set to play now, hopefully that means safety Minkah Fitzpatrick will return as well. Similar to Roberts, Fitzpatrick missed Week 17, but did practice on Wednesday.

How big of a boost will Roberts' return be to the lineup? Should the front office give the veteran an extension this upcoming offseason? Where would this LB unit be without Roberts in 2023? Be sure to

This article first appeared on SteelerNation.com and was syndicated with permission.

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